How can we optimise the potential benefits of foods with a healthier trait?

摘要

As the proportion of the European population that is classified as obese increases, so too does their risk of suffering from the metabolic syndrome and associated complications. Closely allied with this are the escalating healthcare costs to the European Union (EU). The metabolic syndrome is characterised by a number of strongly interrelated risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and hypertension (see Nugent 2004). Initiatives to reduce the risk of adverse health conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome, such as dyslipidemia, could consequently reduce the costs of ill-health. Modifying the fatty acid profile of commonly consumed foods is one such initiative - the feasibility and implications of which are currently being investigated as part of the multidisciplinary Lipgene project. One of the strengths of the approach that Lipgene is taking lies in the fact that it does not rely on dietary change per se, but would provide foods with a healthier trait in order to alleviate conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome. This is particularly important as evidence indicates that many individuals find it very difficult to make long-term changes to their diet, unless they are diagnosed at high risk of disease (British Nutrition Foundation 2004).